Description
This French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic dish, blending the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup with tender, juicy meatloaf. Caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness, while Gruyère cheese brings a rich, melty finish. With a hint of thyme and Worcestershire sauce, this meatloaf offers gourmet flavors in a simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup beef broth (for deglazing)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Caramelize the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the thinly sliced onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown. Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Set the onions aside to cool.
3️⃣ Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4️⃣ Add onions and cheese: Fold in the caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the meat mixture.
5️⃣ Shape the meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
6️⃣ Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).
7️⃣ Cheese topping: Once the meatloaf is cooked, sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8️⃣ Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- The caramelized onions are the key to the dish’s rich, sweet flavor. Be patient when sautéing them to achieve the perfect golden-brown color.
- For extra flavor, you can mix some sautéed mushrooms into the meatloaf mixture.
- If Gruyère is unavailable, Swiss cheese is a great substitute.